Where is your CT before class begins? What is he or she doing? How and when does your CT open class? How is homework from the previous night reviewed/collected/assessed?
Observation:
Narragansett High School is currently undergoing renovations. Because of this, many teachers are left without a classroom, teaching from a cart. My CT is one of these teachers who are unfortunate and "homeless". It is very hectic and confusing, but I think she does a great job based on the circumstances.
Before class begins, my CT is in the small space between 2 classrooms. It is a small closet like area that is being used almost as a prep room as construction progresses. In here, she usually tries to grade papers, organize her cart shes uses for teaching, or look for equipment she will be using in the classroom. Despite her efforts, I think we spend more time trying to MOVE around this confined area than anything else!! What also is unfortunate, is that the only way in or out of this space is through the two neighboring classrooms, which always have other classes in session. Often, she realizes that things she needs, or needs to get done require her getting out if the prep room. Sometimes she waits until the class period is over, but other times she tries to sneak out of one of the neighboring classroom, trying not to disrupt their class too much.
My CT opens class usually a little after the bell because she is usually trying to roll her cart and supplies in from other rooms. The kids are pretty good about it, just remaining calmly in their seats chatting. When she does finally get into the room, she usually writes things on the board, usually homework or what they will be doing that day. She obviously couldn't have written this before class started because another class was using the boards moments before. Next, she takes attendance on the computer, then explains what they will be doing that day, then jumps right into it.
I have only seen my CT collect homework once. She just asked a student just collected it and put the pile on her desk. Another time, she didn't collect it but went around the classroom with a grade book marking if the students completed the assignment or not. I have also never seen her hand back homework, but I did see her hand back a lab report. First, she explained that many people won't be happy with their grade and told them that they have to follow the report sheet more closely. As she was explaining this, a student was handing them back for her. Then she asked if they had any questions that didn't regard to their individual grade, then told then that if they did have any question regarding to their individual grade, to see her after class.
Reflection:
In my own classroom, I would plan on doing things very differently. I would first of all hope I had my own classroom instead of a cart! When the first bell rings, I would be outside greeting my students in. I would have previously written a question on the board for the students to complete in their journals, as well as their homework assignments for them to write into their planners. They would be expected to be in their seats and completing seat work when the second bell rang. This way, when I walk in, I could quickly take attendance, not taking time out of my lesson to do so. I would take it when they are quietly in their seats and doing work. Having them record their homework assignment at the beginning of class will also prevent them from forgetting to write down their homework assignment at the end of class if they are in a rush. I would then talk about their journals, then describe what we will be doing for the remainder of the day. This way, they could have a good idea of what they could expect, as well as what I expect out of the period.
Observation:
Narragansett High School is currently undergoing renovations. Because of this, many teachers are left without a classroom, teaching from a cart. My CT is one of these teachers who are unfortunate and "homeless". It is very hectic and confusing, but I think she does a great job based on the circumstances.
Before class begins, my CT is in the small space between 2 classrooms. It is a small closet like area that is being used almost as a prep room as construction progresses. In here, she usually tries to grade papers, organize her cart shes uses for teaching, or look for equipment she will be using in the classroom. Despite her efforts, I think we spend more time trying to MOVE around this confined area than anything else!! What also is unfortunate, is that the only way in or out of this space is through the two neighboring classrooms, which always have other classes in session. Often, she realizes that things she needs, or needs to get done require her getting out if the prep room. Sometimes she waits until the class period is over, but other times she tries to sneak out of one of the neighboring classroom, trying not to disrupt their class too much.
My CT opens class usually a little after the bell because she is usually trying to roll her cart and supplies in from other rooms. The kids are pretty good about it, just remaining calmly in their seats chatting. When she does finally get into the room, she usually writes things on the board, usually homework or what they will be doing that day. She obviously couldn't have written this before class started because another class was using the boards moments before. Next, she takes attendance on the computer, then explains what they will be doing that day, then jumps right into it.
I have only seen my CT collect homework once. She just asked a student just collected it and put the pile on her desk. Another time, she didn't collect it but went around the classroom with a grade book marking if the students completed the assignment or not. I have also never seen her hand back homework, but I did see her hand back a lab report. First, she explained that many people won't be happy with their grade and told them that they have to follow the report sheet more closely. As she was explaining this, a student was handing them back for her. Then she asked if they had any questions that didn't regard to their individual grade, then told then that if they did have any question regarding to their individual grade, to see her after class.
Reflection:
In my own classroom, I would plan on doing things very differently. I would first of all hope I had my own classroom instead of a cart! When the first bell rings, I would be outside greeting my students in. I would have previously written a question on the board for the students to complete in their journals, as well as their homework assignments for them to write into their planners. They would be expected to be in their seats and completing seat work when the second bell rang. This way, when I walk in, I could quickly take attendance, not taking time out of my lesson to do so. I would take it when they are quietly in their seats and doing work. Having them record their homework assignment at the beginning of class will also prevent them from forgetting to write down their homework assignment at the end of class if they are in a rush. I would then talk about their journals, then describe what we will be doing for the remainder of the day. This way, they could have a good idea of what they could expect, as well as what I expect out of the period.